'Child Lover' by Robert Service


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Drunk or sober Uncle Jim
Played the boy;
Never glum or sour or grim,
Oozin' joy.
Most folks thought he was no good,
Blamin' him;
But where kiddies were, you could
Bank on Jim.

Sure he allus hated work,
Lovin' play.
"Jest a good fer nuthin' jerk,"
Lots would say.
Yet how the children fell for him,
Whooped with glee:
Guys so popular as Jim
Seldom be.

How old songs, sweet as a bell,
He would sing!
What grand stories he would tell,
Gesturin'!
Elders reckoned him a sot,
Sighin' sad;
But with tiny toddlers what
Sport he had!

Might have had a brood, they said,
Of his own;
Lost his wife in childbirth bed,
Left him lone . . .
Well, now he is cold an' still,
Here's to him:
Kids an' mothers always will
Bless old Jim.

Editor 1 Interpretation

#Child Lover: A Critical Analysis

Robert Service is a renowned poet known for his use of simple language to convey complex ideas. His poem, Child Lover, is a shining example of his ability to craft vivid imagery and invoke strong emotions in his readers. The poem is a powerful commentary on the beauty and purity of childhood innocence, as well as a critique of those who would seek to exploit it.

##The Poem

The poem begins with an idyllic scene of a child playing in a garden, bathed in the warm light of the sun. The child is described as "a little angel" and "a laughing elf," emphasizing their innocence and joy. The speaker, clearly captivated by the child, muses about how "pure and sweet" they are, and how they "have no thought of sin."

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker considers those who would seek to take advantage of the child's innocence. They describe these individuals as "evil men," "beasts of prey," and "wolves in human guise." The speaker is clearly appalled by the idea of anyone harming the child, and they express their desire to protect them at all costs.

The final stanza of the poem sees the speaker challenging these "beasts of prey" to try and harm the child, warning them that they will face dire consequences if they do. The poem ends on a powerful note, with the speaker declaring that they will "guard the little child" and keep them safe from harm.

##Themes

The central theme of Child Lover is the beauty and innocence of childhood, and the need to protect it from those who would seek to harm it. The poem celebrates the wonder and joy of childhood, depicting the child as a source of pure goodness and light in a dark world. At the same time, it acknowledges the danger that children face from those who would exploit their innocence, and it calls upon the reader to take a stand against such exploitation.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of power and vulnerability. The child is depicted as vulnerable and defenseless, while the "beasts of prey" are depicted as powerful and dangerous. The speaker, in turn, represents a different kind of power – one that comes from a desire to protect and care for those who are vulnerable.

##Interpretation

At its core, Child Lover is a critique of those who would seek to exploit the innocence of children. The poem speaks to the horrors of child abuse, and the need for society to take a stronger stance against it. The speaker's condemnation of the "beasts of prey" is a powerful reminder that such behavior is unacceptable, and that those who engage in it will face the consequences.

At the same time, the poem celebrates the beauty and wonder of childhood, and the need to protect it from harm. The child is depicted as a source of light and joy, and the speaker's desire to protect them is a reflection of the deep love and respect that they have for this innocence.

##Conclusion

Child Lover is a powerful poem that speaks to the beauty and vulnerability of childhood, as well as the need to protect it from those who would seek to exploit it. Robert Service's simple language and vivid imagery make the poem accessible and emotional, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable members of society. As the speaker declares in the final stanza, we must all do our part to "guard the little child" and keep them safe from harm.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Child Lover: A Poem of Innocence and Love

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his unique style of writing. His poems are known for their simplicity, yet they convey deep emotions and profound thoughts. One such poem that stands out is "Child Lover," a beautiful ode to innocence and love.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his love for a child, whom he describes as "a little angel." The speaker's love for the child is pure and innocent, devoid of any sexual connotations. He admires the child's beauty, innocence, and purity, and wishes to protect her from the harsh realities of the world.

The speaker's love for the child is not limited to her physical appearance but extends to her inner qualities as well. He sees in her a reflection of his own innocence and purity, which he fears he may lose as he grows older. He wishes to preserve this innocence and purity, not only for himself but also for the child.

The poem takes a melancholic turn as the speaker realizes that his love for the child is fleeting. He knows that the child will grow up and lose her innocence, and he will no longer be able to protect her. He laments the passing of time and the inevitability of change, which will rob him of his beloved child.

The poem ends on a bittersweet note, with the speaker acknowledging that his love for the child will always remain, even though she may no longer be a child. He accepts the transience of life and the impermanence of all things, but his love for the child endures.

The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the innocence and purity of childhood, and the fleeting nature of time. It captures the essence of love, which is not limited to physical attraction but extends to the inner qualities of a person. The speaker's love for the child is selfless and pure, devoid of any selfish motives.

The poem also highlights the theme of loss and the inevitability of change. The speaker knows that he cannot hold on to the child forever, and that she will eventually grow up and lose her innocence. He accepts this fact with a heavy heart, but his love for the child remains unchanged.

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, which makes it accessible to readers of all ages. The language is poetic, yet easy to understand, and the imagery is vivid and evocative. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet, who could convey deep emotions and profound thoughts with simplicity and clarity.

In conclusion, "Child Lover" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the innocence and purity of childhood, and the enduring nature of love. It is a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of change, but also a testament to the power of love to endure even in the face of loss. Robert Service has created a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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